Packaging firm invests in energy-saving technology

Linpac spent £320,000 on an advanced cooling system to slash energy and water consumption at its Featherstone HQ to boost its image as an eco-friendly food packaging manufacturer.

Investment in an outside chill plant will bring its UK-based cooling system in line with the standards of Linpac sites in Ritterhude, Germany, Pravia, Spain, and Infia, Italy.

With a cooling system external to the manufacturing operation, the business now complies with industry best practice, according to Nathan Oades, Linpac’s engineering manager. He said the investment would have “a positive environmental impact”, saving the business 26,000 tonnes of water and around £120,000 spent on power per year.

“Today’s investment in its new cooling system secures Linpac’s position as a socially and environmentally responsible fresh food packaging manufacturer of tomorrow,” said Oades.

Linpac’s new cooling system replaces three existing evaporating cooler towers at its HQ in Featherstone, West Yorkshire. The cooling system will run at a lower ambient temperature to secure maximum energy efficiency returns. It also removes the risk of legionella bacteria formation, which can lead to people developing Legionnaires’ disease.

The investment is part of a phased infrastructure replacement project underway at Linpac. The company offers a range of solutions for the dairy, meat, fish & poultry sector, including flow packing, in-line thermoforming and tray sealing modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).